Mirina Coil - Is it possible for it to stop working before it's due for renewal?

[LynetteScavo]

I've had my coil in for four years...supposed to have a new one next summer.

For the past four years, I've have very, very light periods. This month I've had a "proper" period.

I'm scared my coil my have run out of what was doing the magic. Is that possible? There is no more room in the Scavo house hold for another baby Scavo. [nervous]

[CMOTdibbler]

According to the GP, no - mine is being replaced next week right at the end of its 5 years. I very occasionally have a period, even though I don't have anything normally.

[LynetteScavo]

Thank you.

I'm sure my GP would say the same thing. I just needed a bit of reassurance.

[KilledBill]

No, it shouldnt "run out" of the hormones, they should have been tested and the five years probably already allows some leaway to avoid lawsuits.

But - they can "migrate" and either fall out, or leave the womb / perforate. If this happened it would no longer be effective. So check the strings to see if you can still feel them, look out for any unusual pain / discharge. Although coils usually do this nearer the time they are fitted, so if all has been well for 4 years it probably still is.

[LynetteScavo]

No, it's definitely still there!

[DCSsunhill]

I was told yes, and mine did. That said, I did keep it in for over six years as the strings had disappeared and I was terrified of having it surgically removed.

In that extra year, my periods returned after a five year gap coupled with breast tenderness and pmt.

[LynetteScavo]

Hmm....I think I might ask for a new one just in case.

[VFVF]

Hmm, not an expert but even if (and that's a very unlikely if) the hormone had 'run out', the coil itself is still there, and so is still effective in acting as a contraceptive. It's known that just the prescence of a 'foreign body' like the coil prevents against pregnancy, especially if it contains copper.
HTH

[RockStockAndTwoOpenBottles]

If it's any consolation, I had a Mirena fitted in August 1997, almost a year after having DS. Had it removed in May 2008, was pregnant the following month with DD3. Clearly mine did it's job and some .

On a sensible note though, I probably had one or two 'normalish' periods per year and absolutely jack the rest of the time. Marvellous thing it is!

[sugarpear]

Sorry to ask a question and not give an answer.

But i have to know does the coil hurt when removed? Cos it flipping well did going in!

[RockStockAndTwoOpenBottles]

It did me - I had a GA putting it in after the pain was so unbearable when they first tried. I also had one for removal as the stringy bit wasn't reachable. Sorry if that's TMI...

[LynetteScavo]

Well, I've been plucking up courage all day to phone the doctors...I'm not sure what to say to the receptionist.

Why is it that I can sort anything for my DC, but wobble if it's for myself.

So I have no alternative contraception, and it's Saturday night.!

I don't think the Mirena coil is copper, is it? I thought it was plastic. I have been really scared about having it changed, but the thought of another baby is far scarier. It didn't hurt too much going in, but then I suspect I have a cervix which is generally quite loose after giving birth to a baby with the worlds biggest head.

[RockStockAndTwoOpenBottles]

Call them you silly thing - it's better to be safe than sorry. Get some condoms.....Hope you're ok.